Social criticism examines literature in the cultural, economic, and political context in which it is written or received. With this definition in mind, it is necessary to understand the political, cultural and economic environment in which Lennon uttered the famous words above. “Imagine” was released in 1970. The late 1960s was the time of the Vietnam War and also the time when the peace movement was at its peak. Anti-war demonstrations were a common sight on every street corner. Anti-communist sentiments were at an all-time high after the war. The countless lives lost on both sides made many realize the futility of war and pushed them to spread the message of love, unity and peace. Due to the ubiquitous demonstrations around the world, there were social unrest. Compulsory military service added to the social unrest. Fathers and sons left to fight the war without much hope of returning alive, thus worsening the civil unrest. As always, any period of social unrest has a negative effect on the economy. Due to enormous war expenses and a lack of manpower to run the economy, an economic recession occurred in the United States in the late 1960s and early 1970s which reverberated throughout the world. By the end of the 1960s, the Beatles had gained worldwide popularity. fan base and legendary icon status among the world's youth. John Lennon, the most prolific and famous of the Beatles, was not averse to making political statements through his music. He knew he had the power t...